The young man spun around surprised, “Who are you?”

“A friend and I would assume you are also,” Foldrin said as he held up a hand in peace.

“Foldrin you’re here,” Karrina said.

“This is Foldrin?” the youth said pointing.

“Yes, and we need to get Karina out of here. I have seen similar things happen before. If they don’t leave you tied up in the open at night after a good beating they will burn you at the stake in an hour or so.”

“They would never do that.” she denounced.

“Maybe they would have a trial to count how many laws she broke first. They need offerings after all.” Foldrin said with a straight no-nonsense tone. “Trust me when I say this can and will only get worse.”

“What do we do?” Karrina asked.

“You and I need to leave. I am heading north, if you and your friend want to come with me, you will need to bring your own supplies, I am not carrying your stuff.”

“I can’t go, I need to help my family,” the boy stated dejectedly.

“What about my mother?” Karrina asked with concern.

“Looks like she sided with the bloodthirsty mob. Hopefully, that will be enough to protect her from her association with you. Any other discussion will have to wait, the wolves should be going back into the wild by now.” Foldrin said as he felt the intentions of the wolves.

“Wolves! What do you mean? Can you talk to them?” the boy asked with confusion showing on his face.

Foldrin sighed, “Look what was your name?”

“Kallem.”

“Right Kallem. When someone knows and calls your name you look for them right?” Foldrin explained.

“Yes.” Karrina and Kallem both replied curiously.

“When you know the names of creatures, they listen to you; you don’t necessarily need to understand them in turn, nor will they do what you want, unless, of course, it is also what they want. Now, you need to run inside somewhere and pretend that is where you were hiding this whole time.”

Kallem nodded trying to digest the information.

“And if anyone asks where Karrina went say she disappeared with a strange man.”

“Why?”

“Because anyone associated with her is going to be under a lot of scrutiny for the next few weeks until the next scandal comes up.”

“But where are you going?” Kallem asked as Foldrin started walking away.

“North.” Was his short reply.

“What about the Darkness?” Kallem asked, reaching out for him. Trying to stay close to Karrina.

Turning around Foldrin gripped the young man by the shoulder, “Listen, evil can only hurt you by how much fear you give it. If you face it without fear then it has no control over you. Surrender yourself to the Creator and nothing can harm you. Just make sure you are fighting the things of Lemorbeck and not those of the Creator.” At Kallem’s puzzled look he continued, “You can tell by the fear and hatred they wrap around themselves. Be Brave, be Strong, and Trust in the One; you will be safe. Now walk in the Light. Maybe one day you can come to find me and I will teach you more.” Foldrin could feel the fire that would one day burn within him. He must have been of the same lineage as him. “What is your family name?”

“Cromlin.”

“May the Creator watch over you Kallem son of Cromlin. Till we meet again.” Foldrin said as he departed wishing he had more time to teach him and ask about his family, they might know where it was hidden. He would have to find his way back soon.

*****

After leaving Kallem in the alley, Karrina took Foldrin back to her house.

“Grab what you need,” Foldrin said as he shut and barred the door.

“I can’t believe this is happening,” she said as she tried to understand everything happening.

Foldrin looking out the window said, “Trust me when I say you don’t want to be here when the mob finds you.”

Karrina looked at him again, his face was hard and his cloak was ragged and stained. His eyes were a piercing blue, with cold intensity, they were disconcerting to see on a young face, they were the eyes of someone who had lived through a great tragedy. His blond hair was dirty and uneven as though cut with a knife yet he stood as though he owned the world as if he had seen all it had to offer. She reconsidered how she could trust him. How he had been covered in blood the night before. His speech about evil and Truth.

“Who are you?” Karrina asked.

“Someone who keeps promises, your father asked me to protect you, so I will. We may not know one another very well but you don’t have to. I can drop you off in Mekra it is a fairly large and prosperous town, larger than yours, you can get a job at an inn and maybe pick up a husband in a month or two.” Foldrin paused at her incredulous look, “All I am saying is you don’t have to stay with me but you can’t stay here. They will kill you because of their fear.”

“Foldrin I know these people. They would never do that.” She said doubtfully.

“Do you know their fear? Do you remember your fear? Doesn't it sit within you still? What do you think people will do to get rid of it?” Foldrin said as he faced her.

“I don’t know.”

“Your father gave his life to destroy his fear of you. He wanted to keep you safe. He faced his fear because his fear for you was greater.” He paused, “I don’t mean to make little of his sacrifice but I doubt your neighbors are as good as your father.”

“What did you do with him?” she asked, holding back her tears and not looking him in the eyes.

“I brought him to the grave keeper’s at least where they keep the coffins. I left a note, they should put him to rest.”

“Thank you.” She murmured.

“I don’t want to push but we need to go. Pack what you need. I will write a letter.” He said as he stepped past her.

She stood for a while longer then sighed, she went to her room. Standing next to her bed she felt at a loss, how could everything change so quickly? Last night was not usual; the light had fallen much too early. Something was happening and it wasn’t all Foldrin she knew that. Did she?

“Pack lightly one or two changes of clothes, probably two blankets, and any food that will keep,” Foldrin said as he rifled through some other part of the house.

“I don’t have a bag.” She said thinking about Foldrin’s large bag he had.

“Then use a blanket or several small ones. I see a knapsack over here. If you pack correctly then you won’t need a large one. Nor would you want one.”

“What about you?” she said as she poked her head out to look at him.

He was opening the cabinets in the kitchen area, “If you pack that much I would tell you to leave it. I don’t have any clothes left, all that I have is my travel gear which should be enough for a party of two. Especially if you won’t be traveling with me for long.” Pulling out some sausage he stuffed it in his pack, “we don’t have much time there are people on their way.”

“How would you know that?” She demanded.

He looked at her, “If you can’t start trusting me now then I will have to come back for you once they tie you up for the Darkness, hopefully, they won’t burn you at the stake. We need to leave, grab your things, and stuff them in a bag, there will be time for packing later.” He said as he folded the letter which she hadn’t noticed on the table. “Where will your mother look but others wouldn’t find this?”

“Behind the sketch of my brother. On the mantel.” She pointed.

“Hurry, please.” He said as he slipped it into the small frame.

Snatching her father’s knapsack she rushed back to her room. Throwing several clothes in she was glad she had hung them to dry the day before. Seeing that not everything fit she threw the rest on the blanket with a few other personal items, debating quickly she threw in her diary and her last pen.

“That will have to do!” Foldrin pushed his way into her room, gathered the corners of the blanket together, and slung it over his shoulder. “Is there a back way out?”

“What? No, this is one of the town-built homes. No one got anything fancy like a back door.”

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“So you’re saying that this place has no back door and is poorly built.” He pressed.

“Yes, the town built these homes for the people who moved closer after the Darkness came. Why?” she quired.

“Because we will be needing a different exit.” He mentioned as he perused the walls. Knocking along the wall he paused, “this will do,” With a twist, he kicked a beam out of the wall. A whole section of the wall went with it in a crash of dust and splinters.

“How?” she asked in stupefaction.

“A house without a foundation is just a disaster waiting to happen. It is what my father taught me.” He said as he slung his pack on and threw her bundle over his shoulder, “Come on, just be glad it never collapsed.”

It seemed like it would go well as Foldrin led her in as straight a line as possible through the narrow streets of the ramshackle buildings.

“They are catching up. Go on ahead, I will scare them off.” Foldrin paused

“But?’ she started.

“No you can’t stay and of course, I will be fine. What is a good landmark where we can meet?” he asked as he looked around.

Remembering how he looked the night before, with all the blood, her heart grew cold, “Don’t hurt them.”

“No promises on injuries but I assure you, no one will die because of my actions.” He spoke solemnly with a hand on his chest.

“I trust you. There is an old apple orchard to the north.” She said, wondering for how long her trust would last.

As she started to go he said, “Aren’t you forgetting something?”

She looked back and saw him holding out her ‘sack’, “Seriously?”

“Yes, I will need to use both hands and, as I said before, you will need to carry your own supplies.” He said as he placed the awkward bundle over her shoulder. “Now, be off.”

She nearly swung the bag into his face as she turned away, sadly she missed. Trying to put some distance between her and whatever danger that Foldrin said was chasing them, she set a pace she thought she could keep up for a couple of hours.

An hour later she arrived at the orchard exhausted. She had tied the blanket closed with the twine she normally used for her hair. Breathing heavily she wondered aloud, “How can things get any worse?”

“A multiple number of ways.” A voice spoke.

“Who said that?” Karrina asked, searching for the speaker.

“Oh, just someone interested in exciting events.”

“What are you talking about?” she still couldn’t see anyone and yet the voice sounded as though he, she? was standing right beside her.

“Hm.” It said, “I rather enjoy seeing the last son of Kelmu running around getting frustrated at all the sleepers, though he is starting to get repetitive in his insults.”

“Who are you?” she was starting to think she was losing it.

“An admirer of Dreamers. Those who see beyond the confines of this world and seek the Truth. You are still a Sleeper, but you will awaken soon. Hush now, he approaches, if you desire more, seek my brother in Zenziril in the West, I have reason to believe Foldrin will be heading there soon. You should stay with him it will be more interesting.” Karrina could see Foldrin approaching through the trees. “Also, don’t tell him. He doesn’t like people who talk to disembodied voices, let’s say he had some nasty run-ins with those kinds. I will be watching.” The voice ended with a whisper of wind that brushed her face. She was still looking around as Foldrin came closer.

*****

Foldrin was shaking violently. He hated this blasted cold, it was summer for crying out loud. Again, he had to call Fire, the townsfolk were wary but they didn’t fear ordinary people, especially strangers. After calling for him to ‘surrender the witch’ he had shown them what should be used to burn witches. It was a fool's hope that they would recognize a Laramin much less anything that came from the Truth. No one did these days. Luckily superstition was a predominant part of their lives, a sad truth he had found throughout much of the Land. Like the cowards they were, they ran, only a single woman remained.

Her face was similar to Karrina’s though she lacked the red hair, instead, she had a tired brown. “Don’t worry,” he had said, “I will keep her safe. Your husband died trying to protect her, with his dying breath he asked me to see her safe. There is a letter in the picture of your boy on the mantel.” He had witnessed the grief and pain wash over her face. “When it is safe we will return. Till then may the Creator watch over you.” He had waited for her to ask if she could join him, but all she did was hang her head. ‘It is sad that fear can kill just as easily as a knife.’ He thought as he jogged north trying to work some warmth into his limbs.

He could see Karrina at the far end of the apple orchard as he drew closer, she was wandering around a tree.

“Are you looking for apples? I doubt that any would-be ripe in this weather.” He said as a way of greeting.

“What? No, I was looking to see if anyone was around.” She said as she fumbled with her hair.

“You know it is going to get tiring if you answer every sentence with what.” He said as he crouched next to her dropped bundle.

“What? What are you even talking about?”

“Exactly my point, maybe think about what you are about to say before opening your mouth. You might find yourself sounding smarter.” He said with a smile imagining her standing with her mouth open trying to respond. Instead, the silence stretched as he reorganized her things into an old bag he had found, it only had a small hole in it.

“How many times have you used that insult?” she asked as she knelt beside him.

“What?” he asked confused.

“You should use a different word, plus you don’t look too smart with your mouth open.” She said with a straight face.

His mouth shut with an audible snap. He regretted every meeting this woman, the hours of peace he would lose due to her questions and comments flashed before his mind’s eye. “We may have gotten off on the wrong foot.” He said, as he finished packing the bag removing his pack he started splitting the food. “I am not used to traveling with company. Or having friends for that matter.”

Looking at Karrina it seemed as though she wanted to say something but didn’t, he continued, “Years ago I helped other people carry their things. Let’s just say it didn’t go so well for everyone involved. Now I take care of myself.”

“Who are you? Or what are you?” she asked staring at him.

“Well, that is a long question. I suggest we walk as we talk.” He said as he handed her the more efficiently packed bag with the blanket strapped to the top.

*****

Foldrin had given her a biscuit and half of a sausage telling her to eat while they walked. He told her a version of the Tale of Kelmu she had never heard of before.

“Kelmu, the youngest son of Vermund, was tasked with sealing away the Shegika that had rebelled against the Creator. Chasing them throughout the Lands he found them here. Within the Center beneath their mountain fastness, he sealed them in a tomb, layer upon layer starting with the oldest Lemorback to the weakest Shegika. His sons and himself stayed in this land to ensure that those who sided with Lemorbeck could not break the prison. Many humans had abandoned the Creator who wanted power, they fought with the sons of Kelmu. Again and again, wars were fought till the sons of rebellion forgot why they desired to kill the Clan of Kelmu. The people of the Land no longer worshiped either the Creator or Lemorbeck, forgotten was the slavery that they had endured at the hands of those who rebelled, forgotten also was the truth of Kelmu, only fireside tales and legends remained. But the Sons of Kelmu remember his deeds, they keep his promises and they stay true to the Creator. It is in serving the One that men find Truth and in fighting Evil that their strength is shown.”

After his tale, she quired him on fact from fiction. She would ask him about one of the tales she had grown up with and he would sift out the truth.

“No, Kelmu could not walk on the air. That is most definitely a tall tale. As I said everything Kelmu could do his descendants could also do. Not everyone could manifest all his gifts most could only do two or so.” He was saying as they walked along.

“But you don’t have all of them?”

“No, I don’t. You have already seen the Laramin. They aren’t magic or tricks to pull out for fun. You need to be in the Truth to use them.” He said as he stopped by a copse of trees

“How do you enter this truth again.” She asked as she let her legs rest after all the walking.

“Service. You must be serving the One to enter into his Truth.” He said as he sat down with his legs crossed, “Now if you will remain silent for a while I will be able to check if it will be safe to spend the night here.”

“How will you do that?” she asked as she sat across from him.

“With silence and entering into the Truth. Now, please.” He said, as he closed his eyes and laid his hands together in his lap.

They sat there for what seemed like half an hour but what must have been only a couple of minutes when he let out a heavy sigh. “So what did you see?” she asked.

“Nothing.” He said opening his eyes and standing.

“So it is safe then?”

“I didn’t say that. I can feel some Worngers far to the south, they dropped away after a while, they are beyond the Town.” He said as he started rifling through his pack.

“What about the Darkness?” she asked as her old fear started growing again.

“I’ve told you. It controls you by fear. If you don’t fear it then it can’t hurt you. You will probably want a tent of some sort and a fire. If you can collect some sticks and logs I will see if I can set up some shelter.” He said as he pulled out some blankets.

“Fine.” She said as she got to her feet.

The sky was noticeably darker the colors dimmer as though tired by their dance when she made her way back with her third batch of timber. Foldrin was scowling at his crude attempt at building a tent. He had set up two larger branches against the trunk of a tree and draped a blanket over it. She had laughed the first time she saw it topple over.

“Don’t,” he warned.

“Why? You think it will stay up this time.” She tried to hold back a laugh.

“I don’t use tents.” He gruffed.

“So why are you making one now?” she asked.

“Because it is what my father would have done.” He said quietly.

She didn’t know what to say to that, “Well if you can work on the fire I can set the tent?”

“You know how to set a tent?” he asked with a glare, “And you just didn’t say anything?”

“You said you knew what you were doing!” she defended.

“I said. BAH! No use arguing if you want a tent make the tent.” He said exasperated.

“I never said I wanted a tent.”

He just glared at her, “You will feel safer inside a tent, your fear will be weaker then.” He muttered. As he took out flint and steel.

“Why don’t you use the Laramin?” she asked as she used some twine to tie the blanket in place.

“It uses my body’s heat, if you haven’t noticed it hasn’t been the warmest of days. Also, what is wrong with your weather? According to my reckoning, which is the Calendar of the Center, it is Mid-Summer tomorrow. Why in the Worlds is it so cold?” Foldrin said as he gathered some dried grass and leaves.

“It is always this cold.” She paused, confused, “Well it does get colder in the winter months.”

“So, you don’t know? The further North I have headed the colder it’s grown. What is the furthest north people have gone?” he asked as he struck sparks into the tinder.

“The apple orchard.” She responded as she thought of all the people that had moved into the village causing it to grow into a town. They had come from the east, west, and south but no one came from the north. ‘Why doesn’t anyone live out here? Was it because it was empty’ she thought as she looked around noting the lack of any hills or anything but grass outside of the copse of trees they were in. “I don’t think anyone has lived out here.”

“Guess we will find some answers tomorrow,” he said, as he breathed into the flames.